Diversity and population density of birds at the Jahangirnagar University campus, Bangladesh

Rapid urbanization is changing the habitats of many wildlife species. Even so, certain species appear to adapt and now have thriving populations within cities. To look at the capacity for these spaces to provide “habitat” we examined population density of bird species using Jahangirnagar University campus close to the Dhaka mega city, Bangladesh. Four strip transects were surveyed from March 2008 to February 2009 (12 times/transect). A total of 101 species were found along the transect areas. The density of Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica) was the highest 107.02indiv. /ha while Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) was the lowest 0.01indiv. /ha among resident birds of Jahangirnagar University campus. Among the migratory birds, the density of Pintail Snipe (Gallinago stenura) and Common Stonechat (Saxicola torquata) were the highest (1.99indiv. /ha.) and the lowest (0.02indiv. /ha.), of the different available habitats, water bodies contained the highest density (318.59indiv. /ha) and grassland contained the lowest (2.48indiv./ha) of bird population. The percentage of average density of non-passerine and passerine birds was 65% and 35%, respectively. Future studies of avian composition and density is recommended at a regular interval to understand changes in the carrying capacity and avian community of the campus as a function of altering habitat due urbanization. Bangladesh J. Zool. 48(2): 289-300, 2020

Breeding avifauna of Niemodlin countryside (SW Poland) during the years 2002-2007, and its changes over the last 56 years (1962-2007)

Niemodlin countryside (c. 300 km2) is situated in the south-western part of Opole Silesia, SW Poland. Forests occupy c. 40%, arable grounds – 1/3, and meadows and pastures – 7%. There are 31 fish-ponds with a total diked surface of 663 ha. The paper presents results of field investigations carried out during the years 2002-2007 and an analysis of changes in the breeding avifauna over the last 56 years. During the years 2002-2007, 123 breeding and 11 probably breeding bird species were recorded in this area. During the years 1962-2007 151 species were recorded as breeding residents; and additional five species – as probably breeding resident. The following species were recorded as breeding for the first time in 1962-2007: Haliaeetus albicilla, Larus canus, Motacilla cinerea, Saxicola torquata, Locustella luscinioides, Ficedula albicollis, Corvus corax and Carpodacus erythrinus. In the same period the following species became extinct: Podiceps nigricollis, Anas clypeata, Milvus milvus, and Tringa glareola. The following species increaed in numbers in 1962-2007: Coturnix coturnix, Grus grus, Columba oenas, Apus apus, Dryocopus martius, Dendrocopos medius, Motacilla cinerea, Saxicola torquata and Corvus corax. In the same period, Tachybaptus ruficollis, Podiceps cristatus, Podiceps grisegena, Ciconia ciconia, Aythya nyroca, Perdix perdix, Gallinago gallinago, Larus ridibundus, Tyto alba, Alcedo atthis, Picus viridis, Riparia riparia and Corvus cornix decreased in numbers. The areas with the highest concentration of rare and endangered species are postulated to be protected as nature reserves, landscape parks and other spatial forms of nature conservation.